Discover Australia’s Hidden Gem – Darwin and The Top End

Darwin, the Northern Territory’s distinctly modern, youthful and multicultural capital city is the closest Australian city to Singapore, 4.5 hours away by air. An outdoor lifestyle is enjoyed year-round in Darwin at open-air restaurants, beachside markets and outdoor festivals. From this metropolis as your doorstep, you can discover the nature, culture and adventure of the Top End region.

Take a day trip out to the waterfalls and waterholes of Litchfield National Park, nature’s very own water theme park. Then venture further onward into the World-Heritage listed Kakadu National Park, to see ancient Aboriginal rock art, spot crocodiles in the wild and discover an amazing array of bird life.

Further south you will find the town of Katherine which connects through to Nitmiluk National Park where you can take a canoe or a boat cruise through the ancient system of gorges.

Guide to Discovering Darwin and The Top End in Australia’s Northern Territory

Highlights of Festivals and Events in Darwin and The Top End:

Whether you're an adrenaline junkie, an off-beat art fanatic, or a sports buff, we're sure there's an event happening in the Top End that you'll love!

Darwin Festival

A celebration of arts and culture, the Darwin Festival is the Top End’s landmark event. Across two weeks in August, festival goers will enjoy music, theatrical and concert acts, together with an array of food stalls and pop-up bars. A festival that started nearly half a century ago with a parade nowadays boasts top international acts from the popular to the avant-garde and from the family-friendly to the confronting, performed in a relaxed and friendly environment which is quintessentially Darwin.

Venue: Various location in Darwin

Date: 09 to 26 August 2018

Kakadu Bird Week

Kakadu is a bird lover’s paradise – home to more than a third of Australia’s bird species. Kakadu was voted number 1 bird watching destination in Australia by Australian Geographic.

Join traditional owners, Parks Australia and local birding specialists to celebrate the Top End’s diverse birdlife during Kakadu Bird Week 30 September to 7 October 2018. Take part in an extraordinary bird-filled week of events including free bird activities, expert-guided tours, cruises and more!

Venue: Kakadu National Park

Date: 30 September to 07 October 2018

Darwin Lion’s Beer Can Regatta

The annual Darwin Lion’s Beer Can Regatta, usually takes place in the month of July, sees boats built of beer cans, plastic soft drink bottles and cartons take to the waters of Mindil Beach. One highlight, an ocean race called the ‘Battle of Mindil’, involves some serious water gun and flour-throwing warfare. Other exciting and silly regatta activities include a Thong (slipper) Throwing Competition, the Beer Can Boat Challenge where boat building and racing abilities are put to the test, and the Best Novelty Hat competition.

Venue: Mindil Beach, Darwin

Date: July 2019

The Northern Territory is teeming with festivals and events. Please click here for the full events calendar!